STATEMENT CONCERNING HORIZONTAL DRILLING WITH HIGH-VOLUME

HYDRAULIC FRACTURING FOR NATURAL GAS IN THE FINGER LAKES REGION,

DATED MAY 16, 2011

Background:
In October 2009, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYSDEC”)
released, for public comment, a draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement
(“dSGEIS”) relative to the potential for extensive drilling in the shale deposits that underlie major
portions of New York State. Many individuals and organizations across the state submitted
critiques of the dSGEIS to NYSDEC.
Since the issuance of the dSGEIS, ongoing study of the drilling experience in other states has
deepened lake and watershed stakeholders’ understanding of the risks inherent in the
hydrofracking process. Scientists and organizations have uncovered new information and
concerns about this technology and the manner of its implementation, particularly in extracting
natural gas from the Marcellus Shale formation. i
The potential environmental danger of the continuation of hydrofracking in the Finger Lakes
region of New York State has been a priority concern of both the Finger Lakes Regional
Watershed Association (“FLRWA”) and its member associations. FLRWA and its member
associations have reassessed the impact of horizontal drilling with hydraulic fracturing of shale,
based on research and the environmental problems that continue to be created by this drilling
technology. Of particular concern is the potential impact to our region’s signature lakes, which
serve as a source of drinking water for over 1.5 million residents. Any inadvertent impacts to
water supplies would have grave consequences for the region.

FLRWA statement of position:

 FLRWA fully supports fiscally and environmentally responsible drilling for natural
gas in New York State. However, based on the research and the environmental
problems that continue to be created by the use of this technology, FLRWA has
concluded that the use of hydrofracking technology as it is currently being
practiced for the extraction of natural gas, poses significant risks to the
watersheds and environment in New York State.

 FLRWA believes that hydrofracking for natural gas should not take place in the
Finger Lakes region of New York State at this time. We strongly urge the State
of New York to continue its moratorium, and ban the use of hydraulic fracturing
for the recovery of natural gas in the Finger Lakes region, until the environmental
risks to drinking water supplies that are associated with the use of this
technology are fully understood and resolved.

 FLRWA further believes that the unique nature of the Finger Lakes’ watersheds
warrant special consideration by NYSDEC. A single set of permit stipulations

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 across New York State will not adequately protect public drinking water supplies.
FLRWA urgently requests that the Finger Lakes watersheds be addressed as a
separate entity, much like the New York City and City of Syracuse water
supplies, and that unique EIS requirements be implemented for the Finger Lakes
region.

 FLRWA encourages its member associations to speak out based on the local
impacts of hydrofracking on their lakes and watersheds. Individual FLRWA
member associations have issued formal statements describing their specific
positions on this topic.

 FLRWA believes that the current moratorium on drilling for natural gas in New
York State should not be lifted until, at least, the following conditions are met:
o the completion and review of EPA and NYSDEC studies;ii
o the completion of legislative actions that require energy companies to
bear the full cost of regulation and remediation,
o the implementation of a robust and accountable inspection program; and
o close regulatory oversight by EPA and NYSDEC of the entire natural gas
extraction process.

Contact: Dr. Lynn Thurston, Chairperson, Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance
thurston@rochester.rr.com

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About the Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance:

In 2010, nine lake and watershed organizations representing the inhabited Finger Lakes in New
York State formed the Finger Lakes Regional Watershed Alliance (“FLRWA”). This alliance
represents over 10,000 individual property owners, residents and voters across the entire Finger
Lakes region.
The purposes of FLRWA are to bring together the members, expertise and desires of the Finger
Lakes watershed associations to preserve and protect their watersheds with a collective
regional voice; to join forces to advocate for mutually beneficial regional changes, backed by
sound research; and to promote collective actions that represent the desires of the entire Finger
Lakes region.

Member Associations:
Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association Otisco Lake Preservation Association
Cayuga Lake Watershed Network Owasco Watershed Lake Association
Conesus Lake Association Seneca Lake Pure Waters Association
Honeoye Valley Association Skaneateles Lake Association
Keuka Lake Association
i
Soeder, D. J., & Kappel, W. M. (2009). Water resources and natural gas production
from the marcellus shale (Fact Sheet No. 3032). West Trenton Publishing Service
Center: USGS. http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2009/3032/pdf/FS2009-3032.pdf
ii
http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/hydraulicfracturing/index.cfm

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